Liverpool 1-2 Arsenal: 5 Lessons Kenny Dalglish Learned

Liverpool played Arsenal off the field at Anfield, yet somehow ended up losing 2-1. 

A penalty miss, two shots hitting the woodwork, two last-ditch tackles by Arsenal defenders and Wojciech Szczęsny summoning his inner Jan Tomaszewski were reasons why Liverpool did not win. 

Which Liverpool players let down Kenny Dalglish? 

Here are five lessons Dalglish learned from the disappointing loss.

Jamie Carragher Proving Why He Shouldn't Start

By failing to stay in front of Robin van Persie for the first goal, Jamie Carragher reinforced Kenny Dalglish's decision in demoting him to the bench. 

Why wasn't Carragher marking van Persie for the second goal? 

Stewart Nothing Downing

Stewart Downing has now gone 24 Premier League games in a row without a goal or an assist. 

Today, he whipped in eight crosses—too bad only one was on target. 

This season, Downing has scored zero goals from 50 shots and provided no assists from 152 crosses.

A half-fit Craig Bellamy would produce more than a fully-fit Downing. 

Luis Suárez's Finishing

Luis Suárez is a world-class dribbler, but his finishing this season leaves a lot to be desired. 

The Uruguayan forward has only scored six goals from 90 shots. Granted, he has hit the woodwork six times. 

Robin van Persie had two shots and he scored two goals. 

Charlie Adam's Inefficiency

Charlie Adam does create goal scoring opportunities, but the amount of times he hits Hail Mary passes must frustrate Kenny Dalglish to no end. 

Adam gave away the ball six times from long-ball attempts and completed only four of his 14 crosses. 

He completed just 73 percent of his passes today—the worst of Liverpool outfielders. 

Voodoo Curse on Liverpool?

Liverpool have hit the woodwork 21 times this season, coupled with a few cringe-worthy misses—Martin Kelly won't be watching Match of the Day. 

Kenny Dalglish's men need to be efficient and dropping Stewart Nothing Downing to the bench would be a start.

Please read Most Underappreciated Forwards Right Now.